Vigil held for Gary woman killed, husband wounded in shooting; suspect at large

GARY, Ind. (WLS) -- A prayer vigil got underway Monday night for a Gary couple found shot at their home earlier this month.

Margaret Mary Sangerman, known as Pegg by her friends, was shot multiple times and died on Dec. 18. She was 73.

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Her husband, 69-year-old Mike Sangerman, was wounded and suffered critical injuries.

"There is no darkness that is so dark that the light of a single can't pierce it," said Father Mike Surufka with St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church.

Many people who knew the couple for years came together at St. Mary Of the Lake Church, located at 6060 Miller Ave. in Gary, not only to mourn, but to hope that whoever shot them is caught.

"She just lost her mother, recently, in the last few months. And this was Pegg's mother that she was so very close with," said close friend Jim Wiseman. "Look at how they look at each other."

Within the tabled picture frames Wiseman showed are the memories of a beloved couple, who, within their 46 years of marriage, were devout members, for decades, of St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in Gary.

"Our parish was slated to be closed, and the community, the parishioners rallied and we saved the parish. And, they were a big part of it; Pegg and Michael," Wiseman said.

Now, on Monday evening, the couple's fellow parishioners are supporting their family in the face of tragedy, coming together to pray for the recovery of one while mourning the loss of another.

"It's just a tremendous loss for us here, and everybody's grieving in the community," Wiseman said.

The shooting took place just before 7:20 p.m. in the 1100-block of North Warren Street, in Gary's Miller Beach section.

Police found Mike lying in the front yard.

Pegg was found in the home. She later died at the hospital while her husband remains recovering from his injuries.

"I'm not even sure if Mike even knows she passed. No one knows his condition, but we all pray for Mike that he'll pull through," said family friend Bob Radovich.

The victims' friends said they were fixtures in the usually quiet beachfront neighborhood. The once high school sweethearts, are now torn from each other's lives.

"You could see when Pegg looked at him, and Mike looked at Pegg, how much they loved each other," Wiseman said. "Their love for each other was amazing. In fact, it radiated to others. You could see when Pegg looked at him, and Mike looked at Pegg, how much they loved each other."

Police say the suspect took the victims' vehicle, blue Nissan X-terra, after the deadly shooting.

That stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in a Chicago suburb.

No one is in custody. The male suspect is described only as wearing a brown trench coat and ski mask.

"You have to pray for him, as well. Hopefully, he's brought to justice. Hopefully, the person is found who did this," Wiseman said.

Funeral arrangements are still pending for Pegg.

Investigators haven't given a motive for the attack.

"As mayor, I want to ensure you that the Gary Police Department is working tirelessly to solve this case," said Gary Mayor Eddie D. Melton.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sgt. James Nielsen at 219-755-3855.

Melton also released a statement, saying: "It is with a heavy heart that I write to you today, mourning the tragic and untimely loss of our dear neighbor, Pegg Sangerman. Pegg's vibrant spirit and love for our community touched so many of us, and her absence will be deeply felt. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the McGuan and Sangerman families and her husband as he recovers, as well as all who knew and loved her.

"As your mayor, I want to assure you that the men and women of the Gary Police Department are working tirelessly to bring justice to Pegg and her family and solve this case. Additionally, GPD has the support of the Lake County Prosecutors Homicide Task Force, Lake County Crime Lab and Lake County Coroner's Office. This tragedy has deeply shaken us all, and I stand committed to ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.

"Public safety is, and always will be, a top priority for me. I am unwavering in my dedication to making Gary a safer place for all who call it home. I know that this incident has left many of us feeling vulnerable and uncertain. Let us come together as a community during this difficult time, supporting one another and standing united in our resolve to create a safer future.

"Please know that the City of Gary is here to support you. If you have any information about this case, please contact Sergeant James Nielsen at 219-755-3855. For general concerns, you can contact my office at mayorsoffice@gary.gov. Your input is invaluable in helping us improve safety in our city."